Babar Azam Down with Fever As Pakistan Grapples With Crisis Ahead of PAK vs ENG 3rd Test
Pakistan cricket faces a deepening crisis as captain Babar Azam battles a fever ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, from September 9-13, 2026. The team is reeling from a humiliating 2-0 series deficit, compounded by the Pakistan Cricket Board's drastic mid-series overhaul.
Pakistan's tumultuous tour of England has plunged into deeper disarray with captain Babar Azam reportedly battling a fever just days before the third and final Test at Edgbaston, commencing on September 9, 2026. This health setback for the skipper exacerbates an already chaotic situation within the touring squad, which has been rocked by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) controversial mass sackings and a dismal performance that sees them 2-0 down in the series. Misbah-ul-Haq Resigns From PCB Selection Committee, Steps Down as Batting Consultant.
Babar Azam's Health and Form Concerns
Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed to Geo News that Babar Azam is indeed suffering from a fever but stressed there was "no need to panic" and that a quick recovery is anticipated. The timing, however, couldn't be worse for the star batter, who has been under immense pressure following a string of low scores. Having missed the opening Test due to a finger injury, Babar returned for the second Test at Lord's, managing just 8 and 6 runs across both innings as Pakistan suffered a crushing 194-run defeat. His struggle for a Test century now stretches back to December 2022.
PCB's Drastic Overhaul Sparks Controversy
The fever news follows an extraordinary shake-up by the PCB, which has drawn widespread criticism from former players and experts. Following consecutive heavy defeats, the board removed red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has been appointed to oversee the team for the Edgbaston Test, with Ashley Noffke taking over as bowling coach.
Adding to the upheaval, seven key players – including experienced campaigners Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and former national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha – have been sent home. Seven new players have been brought into the squad, among them are five uncapped talents alongside Test-experienced batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal. This signals a desperate attempt to inject fresh blood into a faltering side. The changes have been described as "absolutely ridiculous" by former coach Mickey Arthur, highlighting the growing instability within Pakistan cricket. Pakistan Drop Seven Players, Change Coaches Ahead of 3rd Test vs England in Major Squad Reshuffle.
The Decisive Third Test: England vs. Pakistan
The third Test, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, is scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 13, 2026, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. England has already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, having won the first Test in Headingley by an innings and 103 runs, and the second Test at Lord's by 194 runs. Pakistan's batting woes are particularly evident, as they have failed to cross the 200-run mark in any of their four innings in the series so far.
Recent Test Form
| Team | Recent Form (Last 5 Tests) | WTC 2025-27 Position (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| England | W, W, L, L, W (Won two against Pakistan) | Higher (moved above Sri Lanka) |
| Pakistan | L, L, L, L, L (Lost two against England, drew series against WI, lost to Bangladesh) | Bottom of standings |
Head-to-Head (Test Matches)
Historically, the rivalry has been closely contested:
- Total Tests Played: 94
- England Wins: 32
- Pakistan Wins: 23
- Draws: 39
- Series Won (Historically): England 9, Pakistan 8, Drawn 9
The looming third Test at Edgbaston presents a daunting challenge for Pakistan, not just to avoid a whitewash but also to restore some semblance of stability and confidence within a team grappling with illness, widespread changes, and intense scrutiny. The performance of Babar Azam, assuming he recovers in time, will be under an even sharper spotlight as Pakistan seeks to salvage pride on this calamitous tour.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 08:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).